Abu Dhabi International Book Fair: Celebrating decades of cultural, knowledge innovation
ABU DHABI (WAM) With the opening of its 34th edition today, the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair has successfully reinforced its status as a leading cultural and intellectual destination. Over the decades, it has firmly established the concept of knowledge and cultural sustainability, while promoting the Arabic language's presence within the creative and cultural industries both locally, regionally, and globally.The Fair's journey began in 1981 when the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan inaugurated the first edition under the name "Islamic Book Fair' at the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation, with the participation of 50 publishers.In 1986, the first official edition of the Abu Dhabi Book Fair was launched, again at the Cultural Foundation, featuring 70 publishers. The momentum grew in the 1988 edition, with 80 publishers from 10 Arab countries participating.By 1993, the event had evolved into an annual fixture, attracting an increasing number of local, regional, and international publishing houses.Entering the new millennium, the 2001 edition attracted around 514 publishing houses, marked by the notable presence of cultural leaders and intellectuals.The 2009 edition witnessed the launch of "The Arab E-Library" and attracted 637 publishers from 52 countries. France was the Guest of Honour for the first time in 2011.In 2014, the fair introduced Al Mutanabbi as the Fair's inaugural 'literary figure of honour', with participation from 1,050 exhibitors.In 2015, the fair celebrated its Silver Jubilee, honouring the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as pivotal personality of the Year, with 1,181 publishers from 63 countries participating.The fair again celebrated Sheikh Zayed in the 2018 edition, coinciding with the Year of Zayed, welcoming 1,350 exhibitors from 63 countries, with Poland selected as the Guest of Honour.In 2019, India was the Guest of Honour, and for the first time, the 'One Million Tolerant Document' initiative was launched, in line with the UAE's Year of Tolerance.The most recent edition saw 1,350 exhibitors from 90 countries under the theme "Where the World's Tales Unfold'. It also welcomed 145 new publishers and participants from 12 countries, including Greece, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Pakistan, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Mozambique, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Indonesia.In an unprecedented move, the current 34th edition (April 26 – May 5, 2025) extends the exhibition period to 10 days for the first time. This aims to encourage innovation within the publishing sector, enhance cultural dialogue, and provide greater support to local and Arab authors by offering more opportunities for networking with international publishers.The 2025 edition celebrates the Culture of the Caribbean as Guest of Honour, reflecting the UAE's commitment to cultural dialogue. The fair also spotlights Ibn Sina (Avicenna) as the central figure, and features a special tribute to "One Thousand and One Nights" within its rich programming.This year's edition features participation from over 1,400 exhibitors from 96 countries, speaking more than 60 languages. Impressively, 120 exhibitors are participating for the first time, marking an 18% growth.
Moreover, the fair welcomes publishers from 20 new countries across four continents, speaking more than 25 languages. It hosts 28 international pavilions, 87 local and international government entities, 13 author-publishers, 15 universities, and 8 initiatives dedicated to supporting the publishing industry.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
What's On
4 hours ago
- What's On
This Abu Dhabi staycation comes with a free kids' summer camp
Planning your family summer break? Abu Dhabi has just the thing — and it might be the most stress-free, memory-making holiday you've had in a while. Running from July 1 to August 31, 2025, this exclusive Summer Camp Staycation package combines luxurious stays with complimentary kids' activities, so the little ones stay entertained while you soak up some well-deserved downtime. Book a 6-night/7-day getaway at one of Abu Dhabi's top hotels and enjoy more than just beautiful rooms and five-star service — your stay also includes access to a fun-filled summer camp for kids. While they play, explore, and make new friends, you'll have time to relax, recharge, or indulge in everything from spa sessions to beachside cocktails. Participating hotels include: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental , with sea-view suites and a dedicated vegan room Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi , where Turkish and Arabic influences meet modern design Jumeirah Saadiyat Island , offering sun, sand, and sophisticated island vibes The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal , overlooking the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, perfect for beachfront luxury and family-friendly fun Looking for a summer escape without leaving the UAE? Take a trip to Abu Dhabi, a city where diverse experiences are just minutes apart and all within easy reach. This summer, Abu Dhabi offers an enriching escape packed with adventures for the whole family. Whether you're seeking culture, chasing thrills or simply unwinding, there's something for everyone to see, do and discover – all at your own pace. And with every journey to Abu Dhabi deeply rooted in rich Emirati culture, authentic hospitality and warmth sit at the heart of every moment, ensuring unforgettable memories all summer long. To learn more, click here. > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Sharjah 24
4 hours ago
- Sharjah 24
Chad Arab Poetry Forum: A canvas of culture
The Republic of Chad hosted the fourth edition of the Arab Poetry Forum on Wednesday, in the capital, N'Djamena. The two-day event was organised by the Cultural Affairs Department at the Sharjah Department of Culture, in cooperation with the Literary Club of Chad, and featured the participation of forty poets from across the country. Promoting Arab culture The Arab Poetry Forums in Africa are in implementation of the directives of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, calling for the support of the Arabic language and the strengthening of the presence of Arabic poetry in Africa. These forums serve as a platform for raising awareness, a bridge for communication, and a platform for showcasing poetic talent across the continent, within a comprehensive vision that promotes Arab culture and enhances its role in human development. The opening ceremony of the forum was attended by His Excellency Rashid bin Saeed Al Shamsi, UAE Ambassador to Chad; His Excellency Minister Saleh Djouma Joudeh, Deputy Secretary-General of the Chadian Government; His Excellency the Minister in Charge of Bilingualism in Chad; and the Vice President of King Faisal University. Representatives of Arab embassies, university and institute professors, students, and fans of Arabic poetry. The forum was introduced by Dr Ahmed Abu Al Fath Othman, the Cultural Coordinator in Chad, who emphasised that the fourth edition was keen to include all regions of Chad, providing a national platform for poetry lovers and a bridge connecting the south and the north, between professionals and talents. 40 Chadian poets Abu Al Fath noted that this year's forum is seeing the participation of forty poets from across the country, in a diverse poetic scene that expresses the richness of the Chadian cultural experience and the diversity of its tributaries. The forum's general coordinator extended his deepest gratitude and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for his tremendous support for creative artists and poets in Africa and the Arab world, and for his patronage of this forum and his commitment to preserving the Arabic language. In closing, the organisers thanked all those who contributed to the success of this event, including cultural and academic partners and supporting institutions, most notably the Sharjah Department of Culture, the Chadian Literary Club, King Faisal University, and all the poets and poetry lovers in attendance. The foundation of development At the beginning of his speech, His Excellency Rashid Al Shamsi conveyed the greetings of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah to the forum's participants, stating that he is honoured to convey the greetings of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and his high appreciation for hosting of such major cultural events, which reflect a shared interest in countries around the world, especially in African countries. Al Shamsi stressed the value of these renewed cultural ties, spearheaded by the Emirate of Sharjah in organising these major events, out of its belief that culture is the foundation of development and a factor in strengthening the bonds of friendship. Al Shamsi added that the United Arab Emirates believes that culture is the centre of human life, and therefore has established many major cultural festivals. Al Shamsi also affirmed absolute readiness to support these cultural initiatives that inspire hope and open broader horizons. He saluted the Chadian poets who have engaged with this cultural event from all cities and regions of Chad, confirming his confidence that it will be a stimulating event for creativity and a service to the Arabic language in this friendly country. His Excellency Saleh Judeh said he is pleased to participate in this distinguished literary forum, which celebrates the creative word and brings together lovers of poetry and language in a panorama of cultural beauty and national diversity. Judeh pointed out that the Republic of Chad is working to support the presence of the Arabic language in institutions and the public sphere, alongside other national languages. He saluted the participating poets and organisers, calling for the continuation of such initiatives that elevate the conscience and strengthen the status of the Arabic language in people's hearts. Readings The poets participating in the forum presented vibrant poems that reflected, in their artistic structure and themes, the depth of the human experience, reflecting both human reality and aspirations. In their texts, the language of the everyday blended with the language of dreams, elevating poetry from its local context to a broad human horizon.
Broadcast Pro
6 hours ago
- Broadcast Pro
Red Sea Fund awards nine projects post-production grants in 2025
To date, the Red Sea Fund, has supported over 280 film projects, including titles that have gone on to screen at major international festivals and reach wide audiences. The Red Sea Fund, part of the Red Sea Film Foundation, has announced nine winning projects for its first cycle of 2025 post-production grants, supporting distinctive films as they complete their final production stages. Selected projects span a diverse range of countries across the Arab world and Asia, including Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Malaysia, France, Turkey and Tunisia. The grants are designed to help these films prepare for international distribution and to promote richer, more varied storytelling from the region to audiences around the globe. Among the recipients are Promised Sky by Erige Sehiri, produced across France, Tunisia and Qatar; FUXI: Joy in Four Chapters by Jiongjiong Qiu, a collaboration between Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, France and Saudi Arabia; and Mother Bhumi by Malaysian director Keat Aun Chong. Other selected titles include Pangku (On Your Lap) from Indonesia, Ghost School from Pakistan, A Winner is Seen at the Start from Kazakhstan, The Baronnesses from Belgium, France and Luxembourg, Round 13 from Tunisia, and Veha from Turkey. Commenting on this announcement, Emad Eskandar, Head of the Red Sea Fund, said: 'These nine projects embody the richness of captivating narratives from the Arab world and Asia, and we are proud to be part of their creative journey. Last year, we expanded our scope to include Asian projects, driven by our deep belief in the immense potential of filmmakers across the continent. Today, we are witnessing the fruits of this approach through this remarkable selection of projects with unique cinematic visions.' Since its inception, the Red Sea Fund has backed more than 280 film projects, many of which have achieved recognition at major international festivals. Among its recent successes are HOBAL, which premiered at the fourth Red Sea International Film Festival and drew over 190,000 viewers in Saudi cinemas, and The Tale of Daye's Family, the opening film of the same festival edition that was later selected for the 2024 Berlin International Film Festival.
